Metro of Ludwigshafen

The Mannheim/Ludwigshafen Tramway Network is the tram system serving Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Mannheim and Heidelberg cities in Rhine Neckar area in Germany. It happens to be the most important mode of public transport in the Rhine-Neckar region. This vast tram network covers important tourist destinations, schools and universities, train stations and city centers in the region.

Mannheim/Ludwigshafen Tramway Network

This meter-gauge system includes 10 lines covering total 103.4 km of route length. Of this total route length, 79.4 km lies in the Mannheim city and 24 km in Ludwigshafen city. The trams run at the maximum speed of 70km/h. Since 2005, a company called Rhein-Neckar-Verkehr GmbH is operating the system.

Historical Background

Construction of the tram network started in July 1877 in Mannheim. It became operational in 1878. At that time, it was operating as an inner-city horse railway. However, soon the need for a better connection was felt. Since May 1884, steam trams started running from Feudenheim to Mannheim. The steam tram system was extended further to connect Weinheim, Heidelberg and other nearby cities. There were only 6 lines and one tram used to come every 10 minutes.

In 1985, severe reforms took place in the system. To distinguish between regular and emergency trams separate numbers were given to them. With the introduction of MVG 2000 concept, further reforms took place. The six-axle articulated wagons were replaced by 50 low floor trams. In 1900, electric trams were introduced on the lines.

Tram service started in Ludwigshafen around the same time with the horse trams. Steam trams were introduced in 1890 between Dannstadt and Großkarlbach. Later the route was extended to cover also Meckenheim and Hochdorf. The Mannheim electric trams started to connect Ludwigshafen since 1902.

Hours of Operation

The tram service is there for you 24 hours a day. However, the frequency of trams is less on weekends and on late hours. In regular hours on weekdays, one tram comes every 10 minutes, on Sundays and holidays, every 20 minutes.

Lines and Stations

In Dec. 2008, some changes were made in the routes of Mannheim/Ludwigshafen Tramway Network.

1. Between Mannheim Paradeplatz and Ludwigshafen Berliner, lines 3 and 4 interchanged their routes.
2. Towards the south of Paradeplatz, lines 3 and 7 interchanged their routes.
3. Due to these changes, BASF and Mannheim Hauptbahnhof lost their connection. To transport the peak-hour passengers, line 8 was redirected to this route.
4. Lines 14 and 4 were integrated.
5. Line 12 stopped operation.

After all these adjustments, as of 12th June 2016, following are the operational tram routes and main stops along the routes.

Line 15 (Booster Line)

Expansion

There are plans to extend the lines in Mannheim as well as in Ludwigshafen.

In Mannheim, it will be extended from Feudenheim to two directions, namely, Wallstadt and IIvesheim. However, on financial grounds, the implementation of the plan is delayed. Another potential route is going to be between Mannheim Hbf and Willy-Brandt-Platz. However, looking at the available area for building tram station and platform building, the project seems impossible.

In Ludwigshafen, Pfalzbau and Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße stops will be renovated. The track of line 10, between Marienkirche and Friesenheim, also needs immediate attention. However, repair work is postponed till 2017. Further extensions of Line 4 etc. are proposed and approved but postponed due to lack of finance.

Fares and Tickets

The complete route is divided into multiple zones and the travel fare depends on the number of zones a passenger travels. Multiple types of tickets are available to travel by Mannheim/Ludwigshafen trams. These include single journey ticket, multiple journey ticket, weekend ticket etc. Besides, for school students, apprentices and elderly people, special passes are issued by RNV.

There are five ways you can buy tickets of Mannheim/Ludwigshafen trams.

You can buy tickets directly from the ticket vending machines using the touchscreen interface. For paying the fare, use either your debit card or cash.

There is the smartphone app called Handy Ticket that you can use to buy tickets.

The customer care centers also sell tickets.

In their whole operational area, RNV has 64 sales points. These are mainly shops or newspaper stalls and they sell tickets also.

Facilities and Services

The operating company has introduced many facilities to make sure passengers enjoy the tram ride.

RNV has its customer service centers in Mannheim, Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg. You can contact them weekdays between 10 AM and 6 PM, Saturdays between 10 AM and 3 PM.

In all these above-mentioned cities, the company runs the lost and found centers where you can come in search of your belongings lost in the trams.

All the tram stops include a large display of the tram routes, line connections, interchanging possibilities as well as tram schedules. For blind passengers, provision of an announcement is also there.

The trams are disabled -friendly.

Rules

RNV has created a set of rules for passengers using the tram service. Make sure you take a note of these before you start your journey.

From those who travel in the RNV trams without a valid ticket, the company charges 60 Euros as a penalty.

Bikes have less priority than strollers and wheelchairs. Those who ride the trams with bikes must make sure that there is enough space left for strollers and wheelchairs.

If you are traveling with your pet, you must carry it in a transport box. Otherwise, you’ll need a children ticket for the animal.

Tips

Travelling by Mannheim/Ludwigshafen Tramway Network is fun. More so if you know these fine tricks.

If you have any type of physical disability, carry your government-issued identity card with you in the trams. You not only get a discount on fare price but also a priority in sitting preferences.

If you are getting in or off a tram with a stroller, don’t forget to press the blue color stroller button located near the tram door.

This sends a signal to the driver and the doors remain open longer than usual.

Help us

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